Welcome to our data-driven journey into the world of French travellers! In this article, we will delve into Travellyze data to offer a comprehensive view of the behavior and travel preferences of the French market. From general demographics to travel inspirations and preferred destinations, we will uncover key trends that define the modern French traveller.
Demographics: Understanding the French Market
Delving deeper, the 55-64 age group takes center stage, comprising 23.53% of our sample. Vocational education leads the charge with 33.6%, while the majority embrace the joys of cohabitation or marriage, accounting for 43.4%. 60.87% do not have children or children living at home.
Insight into Income and Travel Budgets
Understanding and analyzing the financial landscape of the French traveler is essential to shaping effective destination marketing strategies. Over the past year, French travellers have experienced a notable uptick in household income, particularly in the "18,000 - 35,999 Euros" group with almost a 7-point increase.
Meanwhile, in the travel budget landscape there has been a 6.87-point decrease in the “under 1000 Euros” group, while segments such as "3,000 to 4,999 Euros” and "5,000 to 9,999 Euros" have seen growth. For French travellers, the holiday budget will be the same as last year according to 40,73% of respondents.
Inspiration Sources for French Travellers
The top travel inspiration channels for French travellers include:
- Family & friends (67.4% of respondents)
- Search engines (Google, Bing..) (45% of respondents)
- Online reviews sites (Tripadvisor, etc.) (35.47% of respondents)
- Official tourism board / office website (30.47% of respondents)
- Online Travel Agencies (27.67% of respondents)
In most markets, the number one source of inspiration is "family and friends". Travellers seek and find inspiration from a traditional source: through their loved ones. However, the following sources of inspiration are online, with search engines like Google and Bing ranking the highest.
Top 5: Catalysts and Enablers
Travel Catalysts are the factors that ignite a traveller's interest and inspire them to explore new destinations. Here are the Top 5 Travel Catalysts for French Travellers in 2024:
For French travellers, visiting small and unique cities tops the list of Travel Catalyst preferences. Just two points behind, we find "going to the mountain and wilderness," indicating the French interest in adventure and nature. In third place, we have "cultural and historical experiences," followed by big city experiences in fourth. Despite the top preference, French travellers show a certain interest in large cities. We can't forget the fifth spot; the French are well-known for their cuisine, so eating well and deliciously is of utmost importance to them!
On the other hand, we have Travel Enablers related to what travellers need to facilitate their visit to a destination. Find the Top 5 Travel Enablers:
For French travellers, safety is paramount when choosing a holiday destination. They also prioritize cleanliness and hygiene. These three factors are where French travellers focus their attention when selecting a destination.
How does the French Traveller behave when travelling?
When planning their holidays, French travellers prioritize flexibility. According to 60.27% of respondents, they often book accommodations and transportation separately, preferring to use direct providers' websites for a more personalized experience.
As for their preferred places to stay, French travellers show a diverse range of choices. While many opt to stay with friends or family (43.8% of respondents), private rentals are also popular, chosen by 40.2% of respondents. Following closely behind are 3-4* hotels, favored by 36.93% of travellers.
When it comes to the type of travel, French travellers have varied interests. Sun and beach holidays are the top choice, capturing the hearts of 71.13% of respondents. Next in line are cultural experiences, with 66.13% expressing interest in attending festivals and cultural events. Additionally, visiting small and unique towns ranks high, with 51.53% of travellers eager to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Top Destinations: Unveiling French Top 5
Our Image Ranking algorithm incorporates dimensions of perception, experience, and awareness to produce a single and easy-to-understand metric.
Here’s the ranking for French Travellers:
When it comes to French travellers, the Top 3 Destination Image Rank in 2024 comprises Italy, France, and Canada. However, comparing this ranking with last year (January 2023), we can observe some changes. Italy and France have swapped positions, thus the top 3 were: France, Italy, and Canada (which maintains the same position). The significant change is evident in the 4th position, as Greece, which was ranked 8th last year, now holds the 4th spot. Lastly, Spain maintains its position in the ranking.
This analysis has provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the French traveller and their travel preferences. As we continue to explore emerging trends in the travel industry, it is crucial to understand the needs and desires of French travellers to offer experiences that meet their expectations.
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